6.11.09

This Veterans' Week, November 5 to 11, Canadians across the country will join together to show how they remember and honour our Veterans. As this important week starts Thursday, the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, is encouraging all Canadians to think about how they will remember this Veterans' Week.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians are asked to pause and remember the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and democracy during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict and during peacekeeping missions.

Armistice Day is the anniversary of the symbolic end of World War I on 11 November 1918.a.k.a Remembrance Day,and Veterans Day.

The association between the poppy and war dates back to the Napoleonic wars when a writer saw a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers.During the Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem In Flanders Fields on sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a close friend who had died in battle.

The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada, France, the U.S, Britain and Commonwealth countries.

The first poppies were distributed in Canada in 1921. Today the volunteer donations from the distribution of millions of poppies is an important source of revenue for the Royal Canadian Legion that goes toward helping ex-servicemen and women buy food, and obtain shelter and medical attention.

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved, and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

- John McCrae, 1915

Thank a Soldier

In July, Peter Holley was asked to sing the Canadian National Anthem at an event in Niagara Falls honouring the Canadian Forces. At the time, he wished he had a song of tribute to offer. He didn't. So he wrote one.

The song is called Thank A Soldier and is his way of expressing his gratitude to those who serve.

27 comments:

awesome blog...and so true - we need never forget the sacrifice of those who have gone before us so that we can live in freedom. Not only in Canada but the USA and around the world. Interesting how Clay brings out the best of us...thanks for the reminder! luv B

Thanks for the beautiful reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made throughout the years. Thank you too for including Clay Aiken's version of Unchained Melody in your blog. He sings with so much feeling....it's stunningly beautiful to hear.

Hi Ashes,Tears welled up when I saw your Soldier montage. I always felt so proud and at the same time, sorry for these soldiers and their families. Awww..when I listened to UM, I missed Clay more...like LOTS! Please release a new album and tour soon.

What a great tribute you have done to honour our past and present members of the Armed Forces. They paid a terrible price for our freedom and people need to realize that freedom is not free and the need to continue our support for our Armed Forces is greater than ever.

As the daughter of a military man and the wife of a military man, Veteran's Day is a pretty big "holiday" in our house. Neither my dad or husband sacrificed their lives - but many of my friends lost loved ones.

A wonderful blog! I am wondering about that first Unchained Melody sung by Clay Aiken. I don't recognize that version--is it from his early demo?It is lovely! And, of course the recent one from DF and Friends is just amazing.

OMGosh Ashes. Love Love Love your blog. I love the videos, photos are to die for, long. short, medium hair, love them all. I especially appreciate you sharing "How to be Happy" I will use this at work. The puzzles, the informational tidbits everything is great. Thanks for the wonderful blog. God Bless the USA.Sharrie

I am the author and performer of "Thank A Soldier" and I wanted to thank you for posting the video of my song on your blog. It is an honour to know that others may be touched and pause to consider the great sacrifices our troops make on our behalf. Peter Holley